Are you an animal lover? You're in for a treat: Please meet Angela Alexander, an Asheville-based artist specializing in pet portraits.

Angela has an interesting process: She starts with a black canvas and then layers loose brushstrokes in vibrant colors to reveal the dog, cat or farm animal she’s painting. The bold colors that characterize her work represent her subject’s energy and personality.

Angela did not begin her career as a painter until later in life. When she was laid off from her graphic design job, she decided to make a go of being an artist. Her first paintings were whimsical drawings of her brown and tan Chihuahua, Sadie, whose markings made it look like she was wearing a mask.

Consequently, up until Sadie passed in 2015, Angela painted all her subjects wearing masks and glasses. Over the years her style has evolved from playful and often comedic caricatures of pets, to the more refined and abstract technique she uses in her art today.

It's going to be a gorgeous weekend in Charleston, stop by and see Angela's work!